330 express vs 360 express

[gulfcoastangler]

Going to sell 330 express and was thinking 360. Has anyone made this change? We are not real happy with the 330 it is kind of small around helm and rocks a bit for the wife. Is the 360 much better? Thank you.

 

[Fishermanbb]

Yes. I went from a 330 with 225's and no thruster to a 360 with 250's. Basically, it is a 330 on steroids. If you are feeling a bit cramped in the 33 but like the layout and useability you will be very happy in a 360. It does everything just better enough to make it worth the jump. Piece of cake to handle ( especially with the thruster), handles seas very well, extremely comfortable all around. It WILL eat more fuel. If you get one with trip 350"s it will eat a LOT more fuel. IMHO the boat doesn't need that much power. The 250's push it just fine but your opinion may be different. If you like the 33 and just want more room/comfort the 360 will make you very happy.

 

[gulfcoastangler]

Thank you.

 

[grady33]

Yes. I went from a 330 with 225's and no thruster to a 360 with 250's. Basically, it is a 330 on steroids. If you are feeling a bit cramped in the 33 but like the layout and useability you will be very happy in a 360. It does everything just better enough to make it worth the jump. Piece of cake to handle ( especially with the thruster), handles seas very well, extremely comfortable all around. It WILL eat more fuel. If you get one with trip 350"s it will eat a LOT more fuel. IMHO the boat doesn't need that much power. The 250's push it just fine but your opinion may be different. If you like the 33 and just want more room/comfort the 360 will make you very happy.

Thanks for this. What are your fuel numbers at cruise speed?

 

[Fishermanbb]

At almost any normal cruise speed ( 4400-4800) she burns 38-40 GPH. She gets .8MPG at cruise regardless of load or RPM. Cruise is 32 MPH @4800

 

[gulfcoastangler]

Thats pretty good I'll bet that boat would be awesome with trip 300's.

 

[Fishermanbb]

Yup. It would be. However, the 300's are still unproven long term and a new 360 with trip 300's will push 550k rigged. If that is what you are looking to spend you cannot go wrong but a low hours used one with 250's that has been well cared for will be half that.

 

[HMBJack]

Economy wise, When boats get above 15,000 pounds, it's better to go diesel. Maybe consider a Carolina Classic or Cabo, Bertram in that size and weight range.

 

[gulfcoastangler]

I actually would prefer the 250's the trouble has been finding one that has been kept nice or with the age they are at the point where everything starts to break. I would love to go cabo with diesel's but we are too shallow with too many rocks so we have to have outboards. Anything that drafts three or better is no good for us.

 

[Fishermanbb]

Widen your search. Find one that has been well maintained mechanically. All services, pumps changed every three years, head zincs, etc. if you need to replace canvas or a cushion or two that is no big deal. Most people with low hour 360's take pretty good care of them. If you find the right boat the transport will be worth the cost. Look in the northeast. There are several and they are only used 4-5 months a year.

 

[gulfcoastangler]

Thats a good point. The transport could be a great deal cheaper than most repairs on these boats. Very good advise I appreciate it thank you for taking the time.